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Nigel Howell
Chief Executive Officer at FirstPort (UK)
Professional Background
Nigel Howell is a distinguished executive in the property management sector, currently serving as the Chief Executive of FirstPort. Under his leadership, FirstPort has grown to become the largest residential property management company in the United Kingdom, adeptly managing a portfolio of 175,000 homes across England, Wales, and Scotland. With a robust team of over 3,000 dedicated employees, FirstPort is committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a sense of community among residents. Nigel has accumulated more than 30 years of leadership experience, showcasing his ability to drive operational excellence and uphold the highest standards of customer care.
Education and Achievements
Nigel's educational journey is marked by a series of relevant qualifications that have equipped him with a strong foundation for his career in property management and finance. He began his academic pursuits at Lymm Grammar School, later progressing to further studies that would enhance his expertise in housing, finance, and business administration.
- Associate Studies at the Chartered Institute of Housing: This program fortified Nigel’s knowledge on housing management, enabling him to understand the complexities of residential property from a regulatory and operational perspective.
- Institute of Directors: This education demonstrates Nigel’s commitment to ethical leadership and governance within organizations.
- Accountancy and Finance at the Institute of Management Accountants: Knowledge in finance has proven instrumental throughout Nigel's career, particularly in strategic roles where fiscal responsibility is essential.
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies at Manchester Polytechnic: This undergraduate degree provided Nigel with a comprehensive understanding of business principles, which he has applied effectively across various roles throughout his career.
- Associate Studies at the Institute of Residential Property Management: This program has enabled Nigel to hone his skills in residential property management, keeping him abreast of industry trends and standards.
Career Highlights
Nigel Howell's career has spanned numerous high-profile positions, beginning with his early role as a Management Accountant at Shell. His analytic skills and financial acumen were recognized early on, which led to progressive promotions across various reputable companies:
- Vice President of Finance, Europe at Cable & Wireless: Here, Nigel gained invaluable international experience and honed his skills in financial strategy and leadership at a major telecommunications provider.
- Director of Finance and Director of Group Reporting and Analysis at Centrica: In these leadership roles, he demonstrated an impressive ability to manage and analyze corporate finances, contributing significantly to the company's growth and stability.
- Chief Financial Officer roles at Morrison Facilities Services and FirstPort: Nigel was pivotal in steering financial strategies and managing resources effectively during times of transformation within the organizations. His insights and decision-making prowess have made lasting impacts.
- Managing Director at Peverel Property Management: Before ascending to his current role, Nigel shaped the operational and strategic direction of the company, significantly improving performance metrics.
Notable Achievements
Nigel's impact on the property management landscape is evidenced by several noteworthy achievements that reflect his commitment to excellence and customer care. As Chief Executive of FirstPort, he has been instrumental in:
- Championing Customer Service Excellence: Under his guidance, FirstPort's focus on enhancing customer interaction has led to improved satisfaction ratings and a reputation for reliability.
- Developing a Strong Team Culture: Nigel believes in the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a positive workplace. He leads by example and empowers his team to strive for high standards consistently.
- Promoting Sustainable Practices: Nigel's tenure has also seen an increase in environmentally conscious initiatives within property management, aligning the company's operations with broader sustainability goals.
- Leading Growth and Expansion: Nigel has effectively overseen the expansion of FirstPort, ensuring that it not only manages a significant portfolio of properties but also adapts to the changing dynamics of the real estate market.
Nigel Howell's career reflects a successful blend of meticulous financial management and a profound commitment to the residential property market. He is celebrated not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his dedication to creating welcoming and well-managed living environments for residents across the UK.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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